Comments on: Fancy a rickshaw ride after the theatre? 5 things you should know.

By: guy

guy — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:02:09 +0000

i was a pedicab (rickshaw driver) a few years ago.
It was probably some of the best times ive had and also some of the worst. the best being the reaction of my customers who nearly always had an amazing time with countless comments such as ” you have made our night” the worst unfortunatly was being dangeously cut up by a black cab nearly taking me and my customers to the A&E department.
to cut out the myths once and for all,
all reputable rickshaw companys (bug bugs chariotbikes or ecochariots which i believe they are called now etc, sorry been a long trime out of the business so not sure of the others) are fully insured, tested regulary (i used to do the mot’s for chariot bikes quite often) and the riders where watched and buddyied up to make sure they where safe and condusting in the right way.
It is NOT illegal for a pedicab/rickshaw to ply for hire. the way the law works means its ok to ply for hire as long as you apply distinct fares before you board the bike.
There have been repeated attempts by the london black cabs to ban rickshaws (they have failed everytime so far) and its obvious where al the bad press and miss information comes from.
there is alot of scare mongering in some of the above posts ignore it.
like any walk of life there are those how are good (majority) and those who are something else ( the minority)
Oh and thanks Linda for a very fair review you are pretty much on the ball, its good to see some impartial adivce which is fair and balanced, a rarity these days

By: Bugbugs

Bugbugs — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:40:04 +0000

The pedicab service is popular because it provides a service people want, the fact that it has been slandered by a strong interest group (black cabs) still does not change the facts.

1. No serious injury have happened to any passenger in London, on a trike which travels at around 8mph.
2. They do not add to congestion, just look at central London roads each morning and tell us if you see any pedicabs/rickshaws.
3. Passengers pre-agree the price (per person) and most tip, so they must be happy with the service.
4. Pedicabs/rickshaws don’t pollute the air and they happen to be the only green public available transport.
5. Pedicabs/rickshaws empower people who work hard for the money they take home, they don’t just step on the gas.
6. As in all walks of life the majority are good guys.
7. They have been able to ply for hire since 2001, the same as a black cab since the London Taxi Drivers Association tried to remove them with a private prosecution in the high court (and failed).

Pedicabs offer a great way to make a living and are a part of the solution to a greener way of life.

By: Weekend Theatre Breaks in London

Weekend Theatre Breaks in London — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:26:19 +0000

[...] of the theatre is ideal. This is so much pleasanter than dealing with the tube, black cabs or rickshaws. After theatre [...]

By: Stu

Stu — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:27:48 +0000

I am M/C dispatch rider in London, whilst generaly have no issues with black cabs in fact many have been a great deal of help and look out for otorcycles and cyclists i find Rickshaws leathal.

IMHO they should be banned the break many many sections on the road traffic act including jumping red lights riding the wrong way down one way roads riding in pedstrian areas and zig zagging down the road to hold there place in traffic.

Many it would seam have little regard for there our and clients saftey.Yes there are idiots on motorcycles and yes there are some complete arses driving black cabs but we are traceable rickshaws are not, it is this ablity to not be brought to book that allows them to behave this way,

They either need to run registrations and be made to adhear to the road traffc act or they need to be taken off the highway alltogether. Stuff the enviroment argument we need safe transport. Make them safe or ban them it needs doning now!

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:44:08 +0000

I would like to remind people leaving comments that you are visitors here so please do not start name calling or making other derogatory remarks.

By: Rusty

Rusty — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:36:37 +0000

That’s a first.. I have never been called a ‘backward alien’ before!
Well what is the actual point, it was to point out the illegal aspect of using a rickshaw.
How for many it will be a fun ride, sure but have an accident and see what recompense you will get.

The majority of comments are well founded, I have seen too many drive the wrong way down a one way street. Nobody else is allowed to do it so why should they.

By: pyaga

pyaga — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:35:31 +0000

I have been a rickshaw driver for two years know,and in my honest opinion not only should a good majority
of the rickshaws be complely banned from out streetS,so should many black cab drivers and cabbies,and bus drivers,for from actual experiance they are generally racist narrow minded people who come to london through greed,under this myth that londons streets are paved with gold,its pure beggers belief,and think that they run the place,black black drivers white,or asian they all seem to feel that they have more rights than each other,it an unbelievable situation,black cab drivers not stopping for black people,visa versa,it would be interesting for the public to see behind the scenes,im english born and bread,and love the uk,and in all honesty,i feel sorry for the minority of just normal hard working drivers in all tranport,especialy black cab drivers,who some of them are fantastic decent cheerfull and unbiased,why should we who are just trying to do the best we can be pulled down by these uneducated chip on the shoulder dishonest aliens,if they dont like us english then bugger off
back to where ever you came from,

if only the public could see what ive witnessed over the last two years

believe nothing you hear from these comments,for most of them are made backwards aliens
who will never grasp the actual point.

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:09:40 +0000

Over one million people will die of illnesses caused by
pollution from London around the uk, I’m a rickshaw driver
I’m British,a tax payer,with a full driving licence,I’m doing something I believe in that’s all,I’m not a criminal,nor a rip
off,it’s the black cabs the buses cars ect that are causing the
real damage,and no doubt will continue for years to come
,the fact is for inner city travel rickshaws properly driven are
a perfect and harmless pratical way to get about,please
ignore what these idiotic back cab drivers say,they are generaly
foul mouthed racist cowards,who are ruining the good name
of proffessional cabbies and rickshaws who many have build
up a good understanding over the last few years

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:55:39 +0000

It’s the black cabs that need sorting out,I’m British and damn
well proud,I drive a rickshaw,and the black cab drivers with
thier constant racist and abusive slander and insults have
made me ashamed to be British,

By: les ranger

les ranger — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:44:52 +0000

They are unprofessional, also ilegally plying for hire (touting) from the street, plus they’re a hazard to all.